BBC Beyond Paradise star warns ‘it’s not easy’ as they face ‘challenge’ in festive episode
Beyond Paradise stars Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton have opened up about the trials and tribulations of looking after a teenager in the festive special of the BBC detective drama.
It seems DI Humphrey Goodman (played by Kris Marshall) and Martha Lloyd (portrayed by Sally Bretton) might be in for a bumpy ride this Christmas as they take on the responsibility of fostering a new child.
Fans of Beyond Paradise have already seen the couple open their home to a young boy, but this festive season will see them taking in a teenager named Jaiden (played by Austin Taylor).
Sally Bretton, who brings Martha to life, hinted at some rocky times ahead as she spoke about the ups and downs of dealing with a teen.
Discussing how the characters are coping with their new foster child, the BBC actress revealed: “Jaiden is a bit of a challenge at first. Like any typical teenager, he’s glued to his phone and headphones, and it takes him a while to warm up to Martha.
Martha and Humphrey will be taking in a teenager in the festive special (
BBC)
“She really tries to make a connection with him but it’s not easy. As the episode unfolds, we learn that Jaiden is struggling with being separated from his little brother.”
Sally went on to say that caring for Jaiden is quite the learning experience for Martha and Humphrey, who until now have only had younger children in their care, reports Cornwall Live.
She continued: “Handling a teenager presents new challenges, but Martha is determined to make it a special Christmas for Jaiden, nonetheless.”
Kris Marshall, who plays Humphrey, also chimed in about the unique challenges each child brings into their lives.
BBC Beyond Paradise star warns ‘it’s not easy’ as they face ‘challenge’ in festive episode (
BBC)
He remarked: “Every child is different, and fostering is an emotional rollercoaster. Each placement brings its unique challenges, and Martha and Humphrey face them together.
“While Humphrey is supportive and involved, most of the parenting tends to fall on Martha’s shoulders. But Humphrey does find the whole fostering experience deeply rewarding.”
The festive episode will see Martha and Humphrey grappling with personal challenges, while DI Humphrey is thrown into solving a peculiar case.
One widower is convinced he’s seeing his deceased wife’s ghost, prompting some eyebrow-raising from DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi), however, DI Humphrey jumps into action without hesitation.
There’s a supernatural case that needs solving in the Christmas special (
BBC)
The dynamic duo must discern if these spectral sightings are mere echoes of the widower’s sorrow or indicators of something far more unnerving.
Adding to the seasonal chaos, there’s been a break-in at the local church in Shipton Abbott with the Virgin Mary figurine from the Nativity scene now amiss. With the clock ticking down to Christmas service, it falls to PC Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn) to crack the case.
Speaking of the episode’s ghostly conundrum, Kris Marshall shared: “Humphrey doesn’t rule anything out, but he’s always up for a challenge. He loves unusual cases – anything out of the ordinary, whether it’s ghosts or just something strange.
“He enjoys getting stuck into these mysteries and picking them apart. As a policeman, he’s naturally sceptical and doesn’t believe in coincidences. But for him, the thrill comes from unravelling the mystery, which is what gets him excited about the job.”
Beyond Paradise is available to watch on Friday 27th December on BBC One from 9pm
